Food Premises & Equipment (Show all)

Walls and Ceilings - Are walls and ceilings designed and constructed in a way that is appropriate for the activities?

Guidance		Standard 3.2.3 cl 11 of the Code requires walls and ceilings to be appropriate for the activities conducted at the food premises. Walls and ceilings must be provided where they are necessary to protect food from contamination. These must be: sealed to prevent the entry of dirt, dust and pests unable to absorb grease, food particles or water; and able to be easily and effectively cleaned. Other walls and ceilings at the premises must: be able to be effectively cleaned; and to the extent that is practical, be unable to provide harbourage for pests. To meet these requirements, permanent food businesses (that are not mobile) must comply with Australian Standard AS 4674–2004 - Design, construction and fit-out of food premises.
Non-compliance	Minor	Rough wall finish in dry goods storage area. Pre-existing drop in panel ceiling requires minor adjustment of some panels to fit flush.
	Major	Walls are unable to be effectively cleaned in the food preparation area due to their design. E.g. textured wall surface such as brickwork or decorative tiles are not smooth causing collection points for debris. Wall or ceiling finish is unsealed. E.g. raw plasterboard or fibrous cement does not have a sealed finish. Gaps between wall joints and ceiling joints allow the collection of contaminants, entry of dust and harbourage of pests. Wall or ceiling finish not sufficiently durable for the activities conducted by the business resulting in damaged wall or ceiling surfaces. For example, splashback is not installed between the food preparation bench and wall, or other high wear areas. Pre-existing panel ceilings are damaged, and not sitting flush.
	Critical	Walls are providing harbourage to pests (due to their design or installation) and there is an ongoing pest issue within the premises. E.g. stainless steel panelling has lifted or is not correctly fixed to the wall, which provides a void for cockroaches. Pre-existing panel ceiling is significantly damaged with most ceiling panel’s ill fitting and/or ceiling panels missing. Ceiling provided does not enclose conduits, pipes or air conditioning ductwork over food handling areas. A permanent food facility which is not fully enclosed within a building or does not have permanent walls or ceilings.